Bengaluru: Following the 21-days lockdown imposed by the central government across the country, the Ugadi celebrations in Karnataka lost its sheen.
All the temples of the state are closed and devotees are not allowed to visit any holy place. The government has asked the people to celebrate the festival indoors, without any pomp.
One of the major ritual associated with the Ugadi celebrations is the reading of panchanga (almanac), but this year, as the central government banned the people gatherings, even this ritual was not followed this year.
As per the government direction, no cultural events can be organised. People refrained from distributing sweets too as part of Ugadi.
A few thresholds, main gates and door posts of some residences in Kodathi, Mullur and Gunjur, Bengaluru outskirts by Sarjapura Road, have been adorned with flowers and leaves to signify the auspicious nature of the Ugadi day.
There is no traffic on the roads, except a vehicle here and there, mostly people coming to buy essentials such as food, vegetables and fruits.
Except shops selling the essentials, all other stores are shut, including bakeries.
Ugadi is the first day of the Hindu lunar year which usually falls in March or April, unlike the Gregorian calendar which starts on January 1.
The festival is fervently observed in Karnataka and the two Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 21-day lockdown announcement on Tuesday night, most people are staying indoors.
Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa greeted Ugadi wishes to all the state people on Twitter in Kannada, requesting everybody to stay at home.
“Happy New Year to all. Celebrate Ugadi at home to prevent the spread of infection,” tweeted Yediyurappa.
